Does the Universe spin (does it have an angular momentum)?

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea that the universe spinning like a merry go round could affect the rate of time. This is due to conservation of angular momentum, where increased mass density causes the radius of the manifold to decrease, resulting in a slower rate of time. It is also mentioned that an expanding universe would cause time to slow. The concept of the Godel spacetime rotating is also brought up, with a lecture transcript and a Wikipedia page referenced for further information.
  • #1
TCS
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I'm thinking that if the universe spins like a merry go round, then the rate of time can be the tangential velocity.

To conserve angular momentum, increased mass (enrgy density) causes the radius of the merry go round (manifold) to decrease to provide a constant angular momentum at all points along the manifold. The decreased radius causes a reduced tangential velocity and thus a reduced rate of time.

Although the length of space would have to correlate to a one dimensional radius and the direction of time would have to be perpendicular to the three spatial dimensions formed by the manifold in four space.

I think that a consequence would be that an expanding universe (an overall decrease in mass density of the universe) would cause time to slow even though a relative decrease in mass density speeds up the time of the localized area.
 
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1. Does the Universe spin?

Yes, the Universe does spin. It has been observed that galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and even superclusters of galaxies all rotate. This indicates that the Universe has an overall angular momentum.

2. How do we know that the Universe spins?

Scientists use various techniques to measure the rotation of the Universe. One method is by observing the motion of stars and galaxies, which can reveal their rotational speeds. Another way is by studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, which shows a slight asymmetry that suggests a spinning motion.

3. What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a physical property of a system that describes its rotational motion. It is a product of an object's mass, velocity, and distance from the axis of rotation. In the case of the Universe, it refers to the overall rotational motion of all the matter and energy within it.

4. Why is it important to know if the Universe spins?

Understanding the rotation of the Universe can provide insights into its formation and evolution. It can also help us understand the distribution of matter and energy in the Universe and how they interact with each other. Additionally, it can have implications for theories on the origin and ultimate fate of the Universe.

5. Can the Universe's spin change over time?

Yes, the Universe's spin can change over time due to various factors such as the gravitational pull of nearby objects, collisions between galaxies, and the expansion of the Universe. The rate of change may be slow, but it can have significant effects on the overall structure and dynamics of the Universe.

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